The arena roared to life once more as the announcer's voice swept through the coliseum.
"Next match—Group D! A clash of Class A's top contenders—Zerath Veylan versus Rin Stormhart!"
Both were well-known names in the academy.
Zerath, the thunder wielder, was tall and broad-shouldered, with short golden hair that seemed to gleam faintly when charged with mana. His eyes shone with full confidence, and his magic blade crackled with currents of lightning.
Rin, the wind user, was leaner, with pale blue hair that drifted like a breeze. His twin shortswords gleamed lightly, the wind itself seeming to sway to her will. Unlike Zerath's intense energy, Rin carried himself with a calm steadiness.
---
**The Match Begins**
"Begin!"
The ground shook instantly as Zerath slammed his sword down onto the stone. "Thunderclap Burst!" Bolts of lightning erupted outward, waves of sparks scattering across the arena floor.
Rin easily sidestepped, his blades swirling. "This Gale!" Wind surged, making his weightless. He dashed forward, striking at Zerath with rapid sword slashes.
*Clang—Clang!* Sparks met wind, and thunder scattered against steel. The crowd was stunned by the intense speed of their exchange.
"Tch!" Zerath grimaced as one blade grazed his arm. "Your wind can cut fast, Rin. But speed isn't enough!"
He thrust his sword skyward, calling down a bolt from the heavens. "Blazing Thunder!"
*KRAK—BOOM!* A blinding streak of lightning shot downward, forcing Rin to leap aside. Some of his hair singed, and his breath quickened—but his eyes grew sharper.
"Wind isn't just about speed. It's also about freedom!" Rin shouted, spinning his twin blades. The wind intensified violently, forming a fierce tornado around him. "Cyclone Edge!"
The tornado-like force rushed toward Zerath, shattering the arena tiles. For a moment, it seemed the wind would swallow the thunder.
But Zerath gritted his teeth and gripped his sword with both hands. "My thunder... won't spare your storm!"
Electricity coursed through his body, waves of energy dancing violently over his frame. His sword blazed like the sun as he charged straight into the cyclone, roaring. "Thunder God's Breaker!"
The clash exploded at the center of the arena—lightning piercing through the whirlwind, the howling gales challenging it.
And then—*BOOM!*
The cyclone burst apart. Rin was flung backward, his swords clattering as he crashed into the arena wall, cracking it. His body slumped to the ground, residual electrical energy still coursing through him.
The referee raised a hand. "Winner—Zerath Veylan of Class A!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, though whispers buzzed about the match's closeness.
"That was too close…!"
"If not for that final blow, Rin almost had him."
"Class A guys… they're terrifying."
Zerath stood, chest heaving, breathing heavily. He gave a respectful nod toward the unconscious Rin. "...That was a good match. You almost had me."
---
**The Calm Before the Storm**
The tournament continued, but the tension mounted. Tomorrow, the final matches would begin, deciding the last survivors from each group.
A single day of rest was given before the decisive battles.
That night, the academy dormitories were quiet. Most students were resting, some preparing anxiously.
In Kuro's room, the atmosphere was subdued, moonlight streaming through a small window. He sat at his desk, reading silently—when he felt her presence.
The door opened softly. Rei stepped inside. She wore the same dark academy uniform as Kuro, the black fabric blending with the night. Her eyes gleamed faintly in the shadows.
"Kuro-sama," she whispered, her voice a mix of respect and curiosity. "Should this Rei take the champion's victory position?"
Kuro slowly closed his book and looked up at her. For a moment, silence hung between them. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes carried a depth like the endless night.
"Rei," he finally said, his tone calm and steady. "That's your choice. Even if you're not at the top—your existence doesn't change."
Rei blinked, then a small smile touched her lips. She understood the meaning hidden in his words. Her value to him, her role in this plan, was not defined by a tournament victory.
"...I understand." Her voice grew softer. "Then I won't take it. Winning is almost meaningless. We already know who will take the survivor's spot."
Kuro leaned back, his gaze drifting toward the window and the moonlight for a moment. "Yes. The outcome is already decided."
Rei's smile deepened. She gave a slight bow. "As expected of Kuro-sama. Always three steps ahead."
Silence fell again. Only the sound of wind outside filled the room.
Then Rei turned to leave, her footsteps light on the wooden floor. At the doorway, she glanced back once, her violet eyes fixed on him.
"Kuro-sama… you're changing. But even if Kuro-sama changes, I will follow my master into the deepest abyss."
The door closed, leaving Kuro alone. He sat for a long time, fingers brushing his chin.
Yes. Tomorrow, more will come to light. Soon… the game will truly begin.
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**